Iconic European cities: Berlin

Be sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial, a 1.4-kilometer-long (0.86-mile) strip between what was once East and West Berlin. And be sure to visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a 19,000-square-meter site covered with over 2,000 concrete blocks arranged in a grid pattern. An underground museum lists the names of millions of Jewish Holocaust victims.

Berlin's Humboldt Forum is certainly worth a visit. The edifice is a reconstruction of the former baroque Berlin Palace, albeit with a distinctly modern interior. Thousands of ethnological artifacts are on display here. The Jewish Museum Berlin is another must-see, presenting the history of Jews in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day. Don't miss a visit to the rebuilt New Synagogue.

Be sure to visit the Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Spree River. Here, you'll find several world-class art, history and ethnographic museums, including the new James Simon Gallery. Also, consider strolling down nearby Unter den Linden boulevard, which will take you past the German History Museum and Humboldt University until you reach the famous Brandenburg Gate.

Interested in learning about Berlin's history? Then explore the charming Nikolai Quarter in Berlin's Mitte district. Tradespeople and merchants began settling in this small neighborhood next to the river in the Middle Ages. Two towns, Berlin and Cölln, emerged and eventually linked up to become what is now Berlin.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin, consider checking out Tempelhof Field, a now-defunct city airport. The vast space is perfect for jogging, long walks, and biking. Nature lovers will also enjoy Tiergarten, a lush, well-maintained park in the center of Berlin modeled after an English garden. Covering an area of more than two square kilometers, it's big enough to get lost in.

Foodies should definitely pay a visit to Berlin's bustling Kreuzberg district, where one can find an abundance of restaurants and both indoor and outdoor markets, including Marheineke Market (pictured). For a taste of typical Berlin fast food inspired by Turkish cuisine, treat yourself to a döner kebab. Also, be sure to sample Berlin's famous currywurst sausage.

It's common to find musicians playing at Mauerpark, a narrow park in Berlin's northern Prenzlauer Berg district, which also has a flea market on Sundays — donate some money if you're enjoying the tunes. For a truly unique experience, visit Berlin's Funkhaus concert venue, a former 1950s East German broadcast center. Silent Green, a crematorium-turned-concert hall, is also worth checking out.

The seat of German parliament, the Bundestag, boasts a publicly accessible glass dome on its roof, affording stunning views of the city center; admission is free. The surrounding area also features plenty of stylish government buildings, like the German Chancellery. More great views can be enjoyed from Berlin's 19th-century Victory Column and the famous 368-meter-tall Television Tower.

Berlin has a variety of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character. Charlottenburg is sophisticated and chic, Kreuzberg and Neukölln are vibrant and multicultural. In Mitte (pictured) you'll find the big sights and museums. If you really want to experience the different neighborhoods, it's best to drift through the streets, observe people and work your way through the many bars and cafes.

Feeling intrepid? Head for Natur-Park Südgelände, a former rail yard turned nature preserve. You will find railway infrastructure and art installations amid the lush, wild vegetation. Craving some exercise? Rent a bike and cycle along the Berlin Wall Trail, which follows the course of the former East German border encircling West Berlin.